Gravity Transport Loading Device for Machine Tool Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading devices for machine tools experience issues with impact, noise, and limited adaptability for bars of different cross-sections due to rolling mechanisms, which can damage equipment and restrict the size and shape of bars that can be loaded.
Innovation Solution
A loading device that uses downwardly inclined guiding portions and support elements to transport bars via gravity, eliminating rolling and allowing for simple adaptation to various cross-sectional sizes and shapes without complex mechanisms, enabling low-impact and noise-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rolling mechanisms are used to transport bars, then the loading device can handle circular cross-section bars, but it generates impact and noise that can damage equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rolling mechanism entirely from the bar transport system. Instead of using rollers that cause impact and noise, the invention employs direct gravitational transport along inclined guiding surfaces, extracting the harmful rolling action while preserving the bar movement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guiding surfaces and support elements as intermediary components between the bar and the transport mechanism. These intermediaries guide the bar along a controlled path using gravity, eliminating the need for direct rolling contact and thereby reducing impact and noise.
2Productivity
If rolling mechanisms are used to transport bars, then the loading device can move bars from starting to end position, but it is limited to bars of specific cross-sectional sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the guiding surfaces and support elements to be universally applicable to bars of various cross-sectional sizes and shapes. The inclined guiding surfaces can accommodate different bar geometries without requiring mechanism changes, making the loading device versatile for multiple bar types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes gravitational force as a constant parameter that works independently of bar cross-sectional characteristics. By changing the transport mechanism from rolling (geometry-dependent) to gravitational sliding (geometry-independent), the system can handle varied bar parameters without modification.
3Ease of operation
If lifting elements are used to transport bars upward, then the bar can be moved from starting to end position, but the bar rolls down and collides with holding area causing impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates guiding surfaces that control the bar's movement path beforehand, preventing uncontrolled rolling and collision with holding areas. The inclined surfaces guide the bar gently to its destination, cushioning the transport process against impact damage before collision can occur.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms are used to adapt to different bar cross-sections, then the loading device can handle various bar sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing guiding surfaces with specific inclinations and geometries at different locations to accommodate various bar cross-sections. Each section of the guiding surface is optimized for particular bar types, achieving adaptability without requiring complex overall mechanism changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for efficient, low-impact, and noise-free loading of bars of different sizes and shapes, preventing damage and ensuring compatibility with machine tools, while maintaining a simple and efficient loading process.
Implementation Method 1
The transport means is adapted to transport the bar downward due to its gravity in a downward movement along a downwardly inclined guiding portion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed examples relate to loading devices for loading bars for machining in machine tools. A disclosed example loading device is adapted to move a bar from a starting position to an end position and to feed the bar from the end position to the machine tool, comprising a rest portion for supplying the loading device with at least one bar lying on the rest portion in the starting position, and a movable transport for transporting the bar from the starting position to the end position. The transport is adapted to transport the bar downward in a downward movement due to its gravity along a downwardly inclined guiding portion, the bar being supported by a first support portion of the transport.